Factor VII deficiency

Factor VII (seven) deficiency is a disorder caused by a lack of a protein called factor VII in the blood. It leads to problems with blood clotting (coagulation).

Causes

When you bleed, a series of reactions take place in the body that helps blood clots form. This process is called the coagulation cascade. It involves special proteins called coagulation, or clotting factors. You may have a higher chance of excess bleeding if one or more of these factors are missing or are not functioning as they should.

Factor VII is one such coagulation factor. Factor VII deficiency runs in families (inherited) and is very rare. Both parents must have the gene to pass the disorder on to their children. A family history of a bleeding disorder can be a risk factor.

Factor VII deficiency can also be due to another condition or use of certain medicines. This is called acquired factor VII deficiency. It can be caused by:

Low vitamin K (some babies are born with vitamin K deficiency)

Severe liver disease

Use of medicines that prevent clotting (anticoagulants such as warfarin)

Outlook (Prognosis)

You can expect a good outcome with proper treatment.

Inherited factor VII deficiency is a lifelong condition.

The outlook for acquired factor VII deficiency depends on the cause. If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on how well your liver disease can be treated. Taking vitamin K supplements will treat vitamin K deficiency.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)

Stroke or other nervous system problems from central nervous system bleeding

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...

Blood clot formation - illustration

Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.

Blood clot formati...

Illustration

Blood clots - illustration

Blood clots (fibrin clots) are the clumps that result when blood coagulates.

Blood clots

Illustration

Blood clot formation - illustration

Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.

Blood clot formati...

Illustration

Blood clots - illustration

Blood clots (fibrin clots) are the clumps that result when blood coagulates.

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